TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

What is the purpose of a curtain wall in a building?

1. To provide load-bearing support

2. To separate the interior environment from the exterior environment

3. To facilitate airflow and ventilation

4. To house electrical and plumbing systems

The correct answer is: To separate the interior environment from the exterior environment

The purpose of a curtain wall in a building is primarily to separate the interior environment from the exterior environment. Curtain walls are non-structural cladding systems that are typically made of lightweight materials, allowing them to be suspended from the building's structural framework. Their primary function is to protect the building's interior from weather elements while allowing natural light to penetrate the space. This separation is essential for thermal insulation, controlling air and water infiltration, and optimizing energy efficiency within the building. While other elements in a building may support load-bearing functions, facilitate airflow, or house utilities, these are not typical purposes of a curtain wall. Curtain walls are designed to be efficient in covering large areas without the need for additional structural support beyond what is necessary to hold them in place. This characteristic distinguishes them from elements that provide structural support or house essential systems.